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(11) | EP 2 316 572 A3 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Automated diagnostic analyzer and method |
| (57) An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes
multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed
on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations
for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed
temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and
ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting
system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.; The analyzer
further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable
pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of
target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material, and a device
for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment. A method
for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating
and amplifying a target analyte.
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